Family found dead with knife wounds

The bodies of two adults and two children have been found at a house in Northampton

A couple and two children found dead at their home had all suffered knife wounds, detectives have confirmed.

The family members, named locally as university lecturer Jifeng Ding, his wife Helen Chui, and their children Xing and Alice, are thought to have been attacked at their home in Wootton, Northampton, where the bodies were discovered on Sunday night.

Although police have yet to formally launch a murder inquiry, officers have said they do not believe the couple and their daughters were the victims of a "murder-suicide".

Mr Ding, who was known as Jeff, is reported to have worked at Manchester Metropolitan University, while his 47-year-old wife is thought to have worked as a teacher in the area where she lived.

Detectives are understood to be examining the family's background as they seek to establish a motive for the deaths and do not believe they fell victim to a random attack.

Xing, 18, and Alice, 11, both attended local schools, while their mother is said to have worked as a teacher.

In a statement released on the Northamptonshire Police website, the force said: "At this moment in time the motive behind the deaths does not appear to be due to burglary or robbery. We do not believe there is any risk to the wider public."

Officers forced their way into the couple's home in Pioneer Close after being alerted by neighbours who had expressed concerns for their welfare. Local officers are now conducting house-to-house inquiries and are liaising with residents and local people to offer reassurance and advice over any safety concerns.

Police later issued an urgent appeal for information about a Vauxhall Corsa which had been hired by one of the family members. The silver five-door model, registration BG60 PMO, was last seen outside the family's home last Friday, the day of the royal wedding.

A police spokesman said: "The car was hired to one of the deceased, but is not at the address and its whereabouts are currently unknown." Anyone who sees the car is asked not to approach the vehicle, but to call 999 and refer the operator to Operation Nene, Northamptonshire Police.